6/23/2013:
In June 1931, the Ladies Aid Society of the Zion Evangelical Church held a luncheon near Edgeley, North Dakota. Dozens of people travelled to the Mast family farm for the event, about fifteen miles north of the city. Attendees feasted on a variety of picnic foods, including pressed chicken sandwiches. Unfortunately, about thirty of the guests soon fell ill, and by June 23, it was clear the chicken sandwiches were the culprit. Dr. Scanlon, Edgeley’s one and only physician, determined it was a severe case of food poisoning. Although two of the picnic-goers had to be admitted to the hospital, all of the stricken eventually recovered, and the Mast family learned a valuable lesson on leaving chicken sandwiches out overnight.
Dakota Datebook written by Jayme L. Job
Sources:
http://www.infomercantile.com/dakota_death_trip/Sandwiches_Are_Blamed_1328371786.html (Dakota Death Trip blog posted by D. Dahlsad, Bismarck Tribune, June 22, 1931; June 23, 1931).
Tags: Edgeley, food poisoning, Ladies Aid Society, Zion Evangelical Church.